Now, I'll give you just the beginning of the interview, to get a taste of him. Here it goes:

"Tell us about yourself first.

I was born in 1971 and grew up in Corfu. I have studied in Patras Polytechnic and I currently work at the Municipality of Thinalion as an Engineer. I live with my family in Corfu, which is the place I love and the place that is a permanent source of inspiration for my writing."

Saturday, 5 September 2009

On Wednesday, at 20:30, let's visit TENEDOS, the new Art Gallery in Corfu town!

There we'll have the opportunity to admire the paintings of the well known Italian painter Giorgio Turchetti who spends much of his time on the island. Apart from his paintings the visitor will see the wonderful photo art of the the Corfiot photographer, Christos Koulouris.

The event will take place in Tenedos Gallery at the old port of Corfu town and the exhibition will be open from 9 till 18 September. Don't miss it!

I'll be there this Wednesday to cover this event for Coffee Time paper, so come along and give me your views!

Sunday, 16 August 2009

The island of Corfu (Kerkyra for the Greek) lies on the tip north west border of Greece, near Italy. Among the green that covers the whole island from north to south, there are vast olive groves that are the source of its main local product: olive oil.

I use olive oil every day. My ancestors used olive oil every day, too, and they lived to an old age – some lived more than a century. So, the use of olive oil dates back to many centuries ago when the first inhabitants of the island actually lived on it. That’s why there are vast olive groves all over the island. From a distance, the visitor can only see acres of olive trees covering the whole island.

I use olive oil almost everywhere, as it not only adds a special flavor to food, but also boosts my immune system as it contains Vitamin E. Combined with vegetables and fish is an excellent food, as well as with meat of every kind for those who are meat-eaters. The best brand is the extra virgin olive oil which has less acidity. Local recipes that include olive oil can be found at Kerkyra Onlinehttp://lianametal.tripod.com/kerkyraonline/id13.html

But how is olive oil extracted from olives?

A trip to the nearest olive oil refinery gave me the answer.

The refinery is in the middle of a green field, in Korakiana village, just 14 kilometers from Corfu town. It is an old building that has been renovated recently. I know the owner who lives in the village and who spent his whole life as a blacksmith and a refiner. He’s got his own olive groves and he started this refinery for his own needs. At first he used the old way to extract olive oil. He used two round mill stones that were crushing the olives as they were rotating with the help of a horse. This was replaced by a man operated device made from iron and wood, but now everything relies on the new technology.

I went into the refinery to watch the process of olive oil making. I saw a spacious room with a kind of machinery that consisted of a complex of long shiny steel tubes. It reminded me of the device in the Chocolate Factory story! At one side they emptied a sack of olives mixed with leaves. This is the raw product the villages gather in the fields. They actually spread large nets under the trees for the olives to fall on them and then they store them in sacks. This mixture went through a tube where they got sorted out by means of compressed air. Then the olives went through a long tube where they got pressed and separated from their stones. At the other end of the tube, which was a couple of meters long, the new olive oil started trickling into a pot. Then they measured the acidity of the product. If it is less than 2 degrees they use it for eating, over 2 they sell it to soap manufacturers.

The owner gets a small percentage of the extracted olive oil as payment along with a small sum. He then sells it to his customers.

I should also mention another product of the olive tree; the olives.

These are small, black and tasty olives, freshly gathered by the villagers in the Corfiot olive groves. I can’t find them all the year round though. The people gather olives when the crop is ripe enough to fall. So, local olives are available in winter and spring as well as in late autumn. I know that and I go to the local super market to get as many olives as I can store at home. I store them in clay or glass jars filled with salty water. If I want to consume them soon, I preserve some in smaller jars filled with olive oil and vinegar. In this way they can be kept fresh for a very long time.

These local olives are very tasty and very different from all the other types of Greek olives which are a lot bigger. They can be found only in big super markets on the island such as 'Demetra' markets or ‘Sconto’ markets.

Saturday, 8 August 2009

A popular bath resort for all the residents of Corfu that is located just a few kilometers off the town, opposite Evenos stores. There is a spacious parking lot and a well organized space filled with a number of facilities.

Those who wish to enjoy a swim along with a healthy dinner this is the ideal spot to do so! The taverna on the beach offers a variety of fresh fish like grilled sardines that are delicious! Meat eaters can have chicken chops (the specialty of the taverna) or beef steaks and/or the dish of the day which usually includes a freshly cooked casserole with seasonal ingredients. The taverna is open all day long and in the evenings too, all year round.

Prices are low-a lot lower than other places-and the quality of the food is exceptionally good. For example, the chips are made from freshly cut potatoes and the salads are being prepared on the spot. Kids can have ice cream or soft drinks and play at the garden electronic toys which are all around the taverna.

There is a small pool on the right and the tall eucalyptus trees that cast ample shade make the place cool and comfortable. There is no extra charge for the sun beds scattered all around the place or the sun umbrellas and benches. For those who wish to bring their own food and not sit at the taverna, there are many shady spots with wooden benches and tents on the left side of the taverna.

The beach is sandy and caters to kids and the elderly and all those who wish to have easy access to the sea. Some people may not like the shallow waters-the visitor has to walk a long way into the sea to be able to swim-but the sea is clean and warm and the view is marvelous. How can we testify the sea is clean? Well, there are tiny fish swimming and lots of live shells moving all around. This place gives the illusion you are in a far away place in Corfu, not so near to town. It only takes 5-10 minutes to reach the town centre, let alone enjoy so many facilities!

However, those who don’t want to enter this space they can still drive to the right side of the Baths, right to the bare beach, and have a swim on the other side of the area. This spot though has only two trees and a lot of sea weeds.

Thursday, 30 July 2009

The shop and soap factory of Patounis family are located in a central spot of Corfu town, at SanRoco square. It is easy to find since it is near the Dassia bus stop, on the way to Ionian University. Don’t expect to see something big or spectacular; it is a pure traditional place that is worth visiting as it promotes natural products. Both residents and tourists should visit it and learn all about the soap making process.

We visited the soap factory for you and interviewed Mr.Patounis. We met him at the shop which is the front part of the building. Behind the shop there is a huge, oblong room which is the actual factory where the soap production takes place.

Would you please tell us about this place?

This place was built at the end of the 19th century and still operates the same way it used to, while at the same time it maintains a big part of the old equipment. As a result, last year it was listed with the Ministry of Culture as a monument of Industrial Archaeology along with its equipment and use. This place is a live museum which is being visited by both Greeks and tourists. We welcome school visits and other educational groups.

Tell us about your family. Where did they start this business?

The first soap factory was set up in Zakynthos in 1850. It dates back to 5 generations! The soap business was started by my great-great grandpa in 1850. That was the first soap business in Greece, and we are now the last we keep on making traditional green soap.

The Corfu plant built in 1891, preserved with its functioning tools and equipment, constitutes a living memory of an old splendid local tradition.

Let’s talk about the soap you make. Any important details you would like to share with our readers?

Pure soap is considered the most adequate skin cleanser since it unblocks skin pores by effectively removing dirt, oily substances and dead cells.

The special characteristic of our soap is that it is being made from natural raw materials and the final product does not contain any additives.

Mr.Patounis is now showing us the inner place-the factory- where the visitor can see the production of soap, stacks of dried soap and the equipment.

As you can see, we still operate in the same traditional way. You can make your own soap at home if you wish. It is easy. It only takes one hour to do so. Here, it takes 10 days. We’ve got 3 types of soap.

• We use local 100% pure virgin olive oil to produce soap suitable for the face and baby care. This type has limited lathering capacity but it is distinguished for its mild action on sensitive skin. This is the Olive Oil Soap.

• Another type of soap is the Olive-Palm Soap that contains 80% pure virgin olive oil and 20% edible Palm-kernel oil. This is a mild soap with rich smooth lather.

• The legendary product is, however, the Green Olive Soap. It is made of olive pomace oil which contains the olive Chlorophyll and is distinguished for its disinfecting properties and wide range of applications.

The above soaps are made using only the basic raw material of traditional soap manufacture, (oil, soda, sea salt and water), with no additives.

I have a question about the Green Olive Soap. Why is it called Green soap-it looks brown actually!

This kind of soap is produced via the heated process. When fresh it is green but later on when it dries it turns to brown. This soap is practical as it is very cleansing. There is also the Green laundry soap which is very effective.

We noticed some tools on a counter. One looks like a hammer.

There are two tools over there. What are they?

The one that looks like a hammer is the stamp of the product. We stamp the soap bars with it. The other one with the long handle and the knife at the edge is for cutting the soap. These tools are the original ones.

How often do you have a production?

In winter we usually have it once a week. In summer, every two weeks.

Any other product you plan to make in the future?

We are preparing a formula suitable for the washing machine. But it will take some time. Soap flakes are used for aphides in the fields.

What else do you sell in the shop?

Apart from soap we sell items for farmers.

Thank you very much! That was a very interesting and educational interview.

The cafe is located just off the runaway of the airport and offers a unique view to the visitor who can relax listening to pop music and play board games at the same time! It is ideal for cool summer evenings outside and cozy indoor games in winter time. The menu includes delicious icecream, drinks and snacks for all tastes.

Monday, 13 July 2009

Corfu is a green paradise, but yet, working indoors can make you feel you are under pressure. But there is a way to alter this feeling wherever your office may be. Just read on!

Fourteen tips to an Eco-friendly office!

So, you are working in an office and feel you are destined to be confined in a cement environment for the rest of your life! But office life doesn’t mean you can not be in the eco spirit! There are several ways you can improve your working environment and then feel satisfied that you have finally contributed to a greener and healthier office life. It only takes a couple of steps and some determination.

Step one: Use your car less.How can you do that? Arrange with a colleague to use your cars in turns or use public transport (which is the best solution as it causes less pollution).Step two: Get plants.Fill your office with plants. They not only enhance the atmosphere but also lessen the effects of radiation emitted from office equipment. Ask the florists about the best interior plants that need little care. Plants will also make you feel relaxed and happy.Step three: Find the light.Place your desk in the spot that is best lit. If there is a window, place your desk nearby as a source of natural light is always best.Step four: Become paper aware.If you use a printer, print on both sides of the paper. Waste less paper and contribute to less deforestation. Also, use recycled paper.Step five: Ban felt pens.Avoid using felt pens and use ball point pens instead. The latter contain less chemicals and do not smell.Step six: Pins vs tape.You can use pins or clips instead of adhesive tape which produces toxins and it is not bio-degradable.Step seven: Save files.Save your files on USB as CDs are disposable. In this way you produce less waste.Step eight: Glass vs plastic.You can use plates and glasses made of glass or china and avoid plastic altogether. Help the environment get rid of unnecessary waste that adds more pollution.Step nine: Turn off your PC.When you are not working, turn off your PC. Do not leave it on waiting mode. Save energy and lower your electricity bills.Step ten: Lights off.If you are the last to leave the office, don’t forget to turn the lights off. Step eleven: Recycle.Use the recycling bins near your office. Sort out the waste you produce during your office hours. Get in the recycling habit now!

Step twelve: Rest room changes.If you run your own business, replace the faucets in the bathroom with taps having a photocell, and buy lamps that save energy. Also, install hand driers and do not waste paper.Step thirteen: Charity aware.Start a co-operation with WWF that has got special programs for businesses, at www.wwf.comStep fourteen: Beware of snack packaging.Avoid aluminum foil, plastic bags or one use dishes for your snacks. Choose a package that you can reuse. Why not get your own lunch box from home?So, you see there are many ways to be eco friendly and enjoy a better office environment. It’s up to you to make some changes in your life and encourage others to follow you. Remember that this planet needs our co-operation to survive!

Friday, 3 July 2009

Yesterday I had the opportunity of visiting Anemomylos area in Corfu. Anemomylos took its name from the windmill that used to be there in old days. Nowadays, a reproduction of the original mill has been constructed that houses art exhibitions during the summer.

The current art exhibition of the well known Corfiot painter G. Zervos started on Wednesday 1st of July and was organized by the cultural and environmental group of the area. The water color exhibition will last till the 15th of July.Opening hours:

10:00 to 12:00 in the morningand7:30 to 10:00 in the evening.

Mr Zervos has organized 60 exhibitions so far, both in Corfu and other places in Greece, and specializes in water color. However, he also paints in oil color and the visitors now can admire his unique color pallet in that medium too. All of his pictures depict well known Corfiot landscapes that are so characteristic.

His paintings show his apparent sensitivity in color and construction (he is a civil engineer)and the visitors will be fascinated by the variety of hues that he uses to depict Corfiot nature. The buildings he paints are in great detail and look like photographs. His price list is decent and caters to all art lovers.

If you love art and would like to get a painting to remind you of Corfu island, don't miss this exhibition!

Sunday, 28 June 2009

Anafores is the title of the art exhibition taking place at the Public Library of the old castle.The artist is the Corfiot painter Demetra Kleronomou.

The paintings will be displayed at the Library till the 7th July.

Public can visit the exhibition on

Monday and Wednesday 12.30 to 19.00

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30 to 2.30

About the artist

Demetra Kleronomou was born in Karousades village in Corfu and has been drawing from an early age.Her first studies began in 1999 when she was tutored by the artist Marco Bano and then continued her studies at the Art School of Corfu.Her teachers were Melina Grammenou, Spiros Alamanos and the sculptor Eva Karidi.

Demetra has taken part in many group exhibitions in Corfu and other Greek cities. She is a member of EIKE, UNESCO Piraeus and Island and former member of the Ionian Theatre.

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Tonight Corfiots can attend the custom of Labatines (small fires) in two areas of the town:Benitses and Mandouki.

This custom takes place on the eve of Saint John Labataris.At Benitses village, the women’s association Athena organizes an event at 9:00, during which two fires will get lit in the square of the village.There is also going to be live music, dancing and treats!

At Mandouki area the cultural association of Mandouki people organizes a music event at the bus terminal to celebrate Saint John.In this event will take part the kids of the handicraft workshop of the association.

According to the women’s association Athena, this special custom calls all the residents of the island to gather at a cross road during sunset to light labatines. In old days they used to make three stacks of hay and each household brought along their May flower ring to burn.The fires had to be three and always located on a three-waycrossroad.When the fires burnt, the young people used to jump over the fire one by one, and they had to jump three times each over the fire. It is a great fun to watch and participate in this event!

Saturday, 13 June 2009

One of the most picturesque areas in Corfu town is Garitsa area. It is a green spot starting from Alexandras Avenue to Anemomylos place at the end of Garitsa bay.

The main church in this area is the church of Iasonos and Sosipatrou, which has old beautiful murals inside and a special architecture. It is certainly a sight worth seeing. Many ceremonies still take place at this church which is very popular among the residents.

The bay of Garitsa has always been the favorite promenade for the Corfiots who stroll along the seafront almost all the year round. Summer evenings are especially suitable for a stroll at Garitsa as the sea breeze is cooling and welcome. The tavernas along the inner side of the bay, in the green park, offer a restful and delicious evening out from spring to autumn.

Sunday, 7 June 2009

My name is Snail, but my Greek name is Saligari, or Bobolas in plain Corfiot language!

In my family we are in a variety of colors; the most common is brown with black stripes.White snails are quite common in fields with eatable plants such as lettuces, cabbages and broccoli (the green kind of cauliflower).I love the rain and I usually come out for a stroll after a nice heavy storm or a drizzle...I have to search for food, you see. That’s the time farmers really dislike me. Why? Read on to find out!

What do I eat?

Leaves; almost any kind of fresh green leaves will do. I am not too selective but I prefer those kinds human beings eat as they are the tastier. My worst time is when I go out to look for food because I am an easy prey.Birds catch me, you know, as I am part of the food chain. People eat me, too, but not very often since some of them think I am too slippery and creepy for their taste (I have to become more disgusting if I want to survive, but there are still those who find me cute; can you believe it? CUTE! How can a snail look cute?)

Well, I am an artifact too. My shell is a piece of art; people all over the world try to draw and paint my shell, so I am quite famous for my decorative designs. You can see lots of different shells at the BenitsesShellMuseum in Corfu. http://www.benitses.org/shellmuseum/index.htm

Sunday, 31 May 2009

The small island of Corfu has always been considered a gem in Ionian Sea.The abundant green and its beautiful beaches used to attract people from all over the world, let alone its neighboring countries.So, Italian people could not underestimate Corfu’s beauty and strategic position, and claimed the island for the first time in the 12th century.The first Venetian occupation took place in 1205, and it was during that time that a lot of significant changes occurred on the island.

The Venetian culture

The Venetians cared for the olive oil production, so during their occupation Corfu olive groves started to expand. Nowadays the whole island is still covered with olive trees. The Venetian culture affected greatly the lifestyle of the Corfiots who were at that time privileged to live in a higher level cultural background, in contrast with the other Greeks on the mainland who were under the Ottoman occupation.The establishment of the IonianAcademy is an example of the cultural influence from the west.The Academy, which was destroyed in the years to come, has been fully rebuilt and houses now a part of the IonianUniversity.

The Old Fortress

The Old Fortress is an excellent example of the fortification of the island that dates back to the Venetian times.This fortress has got a 60- meter bridge that links the castle to the square.Contra Fossa canal flows underneath and is currently used as a harbour for boats.At the entrance of the fortress there is the statue of Schulenburg who was a defender against the Turks.The fortress was first fortified by the Byzantines but the Venetians built complex tunnels and galleries to make it stronger.Inside the castle the visitor can see a prison building, the English Officers’ Quarters, the Barracks, the English Hospital and the chapel of Ayios Georgios, which is in Dorian style and was built by the English in 1840.From the top of the old fortress the traveler can see a panoramic view of Corfu town. The most picturesque part is that of the old town with the red tiled roofs and the traditional buildings.

The New Fortress

The Venetians also built the New Fortress which is on the North West side of Corfu town overlooking the old harbour.The two big gates of the New Fortress are still intact!On one gate visitors can see a winged lion.This is the Venetian emblem of Saint Marco.This fortress was completed in the 15th century.

The Esplanade

Another Venetian aspect that is still prevalent in Corfu town is the Esplanade (Spianada for the Corfiots) that is the heart of Corfu town.Spianada is next to the lower square of Corfu, and this area is the center for all local festivities and major social events.The top part of Spianada is at Liston place, which is called the small Paris, since it was built by the French during the French occupation of the island and its architecture is similar to the one found in Paris.The unique lamps at Liston were made by the Venetians and are an excellent sample of the art of that period.

More cultural influence

It is obvious that the Venetians influenced a lot the local architecture as well as all the other aspects of local life.Education was promoted and many institutions were set up, such as the music schools which are still running all over the island. Corfu has got 12 bands today!Celebrations and cultural events still include Italian aspects and the local language has been greatly affected too.The older generations still speak Italian and many modern residents still use some words that are of Italian origin. For example, the word ‘alibreto’ is used to describe the half closed window shutters.Time changes though, and I wonder if the new Corfiot generations will maintain that part of their tradition in the years to come!

Tuesday, 12 May 2009

Interview with Vasilis Sgouros, the owner of PhysioPraxis center in Corfu

Vasilis Sgouros has been working in this field for over 30 years.

Q: Welcome to our page Mr.Sgouros. We are delighted to have you here today. Fist of all, we would like to know about PhysioPraxis. What exactly is this center?

A: This is a center of Physiotherapy and Recovery

Q: What does this center include? What kinds of programs are available and who do they cater to?

A: The center includes the following programs:

Athletic RecoveryExercise and DietExercise and right posture for children and adultsExercise special for facing chronic problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis and otherErgonomics

These programs cater to almost everybody, young and old.

Q: Tell us about the first program, Athletic Recovery. What is it about and who is it aimed at?

A: Athletic Recovery is for those who do sports. Many times specific problems arise, so there is need for physiotherapy. Of course, each case is different and depends on various factors. The program we offer suits the individual’s specific needs.

Q: How about the second program, Exercise and Diet. Can you tell us a few things about that?

A: In co operation with a doctor who teaches metabolism in the University of Athens, I teach the right diet and exercise which is individualized. There is a personal trainer for each patient so as to get the most of this program.

Q: The next program is Exercise and right posture for children and adults. Whatexactly is that?

A: This one caters to those who have a problem with their body such as a dysplasia of the spine, foot problems such as platypodia etc. We offer special exercises to help both kids and adults.

Q: What can you tell us about the Exercise program for facing chronic problems?

A: This program is for those who have a chronic problem of their muscle and skeleton system. People suffering from osteoporosis and arthritis will find this program highly beneficial.

Q: The last one is Ergonomics. What is that?

A: Ergonomics is the relationship of our body with any special physical activity, such as housework, our job, using computers, watching TV, using the car, gardening and anything else we do every day. We give advice to ensure the right use of our body in relation with its activity. This means you will learn how to use your body, when you do your work the right way and so on.

It is important for the people to know this so as to get tired less and achieve more; Also they can get more energy and cause less damage to their muscles and skeleton system.

Monday, 4 May 2009

I have walked past that garden so many times, for so many years and have never noticed that plant!Funny, isn’t it?

I was born in that old house and played in that small garden, but I have always thought that plant was a palm tree. It was smaller at that time anyway, and I was a kid-kids hardly notice these things. I was more concerned about my cats and chicken and less about the banana tree. But yesterday, as I was walking past that spot once more, I saw it. I didn’t have my web camera with me so I had to come back later to take a shot.

The first glimpse of that huge lamp- like flower deceived me; I thought-what is that, looks like a plastic lamp.You see it was hanging gracefully over the gate just in the middle of it.Exactly as a lamp should hang!Then I noticed a thick cord upwards that looked like a twisted wire. Looking up I saw the bananas; small green bananas facing the sky. You can see the pictures above. I had never seen a banana tree in blossom before. It is certainly a spectacle!

I searched the net and found these links. Just in case you would like to plant a banana tree in your garden!

Sunday, 26 April 2009

He was a famous Greek sculptor who lived in Corfu during the 7th century BC. One of the ancient sights you can visit on the island is his tomb-a cenotaph- which is right in the town.

The tomb should be restored and properly conserved but as it always happens here, it is abandoned along with the site next to it.Since the whole place has historical value-well, almost all the sites on the island have-the town council should do something about that. But I think they have run out of funds once more!

Menecrates' tomb which dates back to the 7th century BC is depicted here:

Sunday, 19 April 2009

The epitaph of Ayia Triada church at Garitsa area started at 7.oo pm on Great Friday from the church and went around the block past The Douglas column and the Music School at Alexandras avenue into Alkinou street.

The majority of the epitaphs took place at Spianada, the center of the town where most churches are. Each church had its own epitaph, in and out of the town.